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Pinus sylvestris trees are known to efficiently defend themselves against eggs of the herbivorous sawfly Diprion pini. Their direct defense against eggs is primable by prior exposure to the sex pheromones of this species and their indirect defense involves attraction of egg parasitoids by egg-induced pine needle odor. But it is unknown whether exposure of pine to D. pini sex pheromones also affects pine indirect defense against sawfly eggs. In this study, we investigated the influence of exposure of P. sylvestris trees to the sex pheromones of D. pini on indirect defense mediated by egg parasitoids. Behavioral assays with Closterocerus ruforum, a key parasitoid of sawfly eggs, revealed no significant attraction to odor from egg-free pines pre-exposed to pheromones. Chemical analyses of odor from egg-free pines showed no pheromone-induced change in the emission rates of the known key terpenoids promoting parasitoid attraction. Further comparative analyses of odor from egg-laden pines pre-exposed to the sex pheromones and of odor from egg-laden pines unexposed to pheromones neither revealed significant differences in the emission rates of terpenoids relevant for parasitoid attraction. The results suggest that a pheromone-induced or pheromone-primed, egg-induced pine indirect defense seems to be redundant in addition to the known pheromone-primable pine direct defense against the eggs and the known egg-inducible indirect defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex of phytophagous stink bugs is responsible for considerable reductions in the yield potential of soybean crops. Insecticides are usually used for the management of these pests; however, the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) has become a promising alternative due to its mass production and commercialization in Brazil. This study evaluated the efficacy of inoculative releases of T. podisi prior to the crop critical period of stink bug attack. The experiments were carried out in the field during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 crop years, using a drone for parasitoid releases. The combined analysis of both crop years showed the potential replacement of chemical control with biological control with T. podisi in the initial applications. This change did not significantly affect crop yield, thousand-seed weight (TSW), and seed physiological quality assessed in germination and tetrazolium tests. In addition, the treatment with the first application performed with the parasitoid release, followed by two applications of synthetic insecticides (applied fortnightly), showed no significant differences in the number of stink bugs captured in a vertical beating cloth when compared to the farmer’s pattern (three insecticide applications). Moreover, abundance of generalist predators was higher in the control (without application) and in the treatment constituted by two T. podisi releases. Thus, inoculative releases of T. podisi prior to the critical crop period constitute a promising management alternative for the stink bug complex in soybean crops, contributing to the stability and sustainability of the production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The field monitoring of parasitic wasps attacking the eggs of stink bug pests is usually performed using sentinel eggs, i.e., stink bug eggs reared in a laboratory, placing them temporarily in the field. Sentinel eggs must be retrieved before the eggs hatch to avoid releasing the stink bug pest in the monitored area. In this study, X-ray irradiation was used to sterilize eggs of the bagrada bug, an invasive stinkbug pest of cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc.) in the United States. Two parasitic wasps are known to attack bagrada bug eggs in California. Both wasps were able to parasitize irradiated eggs. Our results showed that X-ray irradiation is a suitable method to produce safe and reliable sentinel eggs to monitor the egg parasitism of the bagrada bug and possibly other species. Sentinel eggs used to monitor field parasitism of stink bug pests (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) can only be deployed for a few days to avoid releasing the pest in the monitored area. Using sterile eggs removes the risk of accidental pest introduction and extends deployment time. Freezing the eggs before deployment is one common method of sterilizing sentinel eggs. However, some egg parasitoid species have low or no parasitism on frozen eggs. In this study, X-ray irradiation was used to sterilize Bagrada hilaris sentinel eggs intended for monitoring parasitism by Gryon aetherium (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), the most promising biological control candidate. In this case, freezing sentinel eggs is not recommended because G. aetherium has low levels of parasitism on frozen eggs. Doses as low as 10 Gy induced 100% sterility. Irradiated eggs successfully sustained the development of G. aetherium and Ooencyrtus californicus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), another egg parasitoid attacking B. hilaris, and parasitism levels were comparable to that of fresh eggs up to seven days old. In addition, G. aetherium showed no preference for fresh non-irradiated eggs over seven-day-old irradiated eggs. Our results indicate that X-ray irradiation is a suitable alternative to produce safe and reliable sentinel eggs to monitor the egg parasitism of B. hilaris and possibly other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, a study was conducted with experimental material from the area of Marikostinovo village, covering various aspects of species bioecology. The stability or changes that have occurred in these bioecological parameters after a 28-31 year period were analysed, with research data from this area conducted in the period 1991-1994. The fecundity of pine processionary moths in the 5 generations compared had a stable level of average values above 214 eggs. The long-term observations and reporting of this indicator gave reason to draw the conclusion that in this region of Bulgaria, the species develops stably, successfully overcoming possible occurrences of extremely high temperatures in July and August. In the egg stage, the most significant factor in reducing the number of T. pityocampa is the impact of parasitoids. Its effect is not a constant value but varies widely, being the difference nearly twice. The relative share of eggs destroyed by predators is insignificant. A distinctive feature of the Marikostinovo site is the high relative proportion of dead caterpillars, sterile and empty eggs, with values significantly higher than those in other areas of the species’ global range. This is the warmest and driest region of Bulgaria. The high values of this indicator are also formed by the large number of unfertilised, sterile eggs, reaching in 1994 up to 1/5 of the eggs in the sample. The dominant species, with constant presence in all samples, is Ooencyrtus pityocampae.

Soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabaceae), is one of the most important crops worldwide, but caterpillars of various species (Lepidoptera) may greatly reduce its annual yield. Nowadays, the main method of controlling these pest species is based on the use of broad‐spectrum insecticides, which are harmful to human health and increase environmental contamination. Therefore, other sustainable methods of control, such as biological control, are in increasing demand. The present study aimed to identify the egg parasitoid species that attack lepidopterans defoliating soybeans in South America's subtropical regions, as well as evaluate their effectiveness at various stages of soybean development. The research was conducted in a commercial soybean field (80 ha) located in Tucumán, Argentina, which was surrounded by wild vegetation as a way to promote biological control. Every week, throughout three consecutive soybean seasons, 20 soybean plants were randomly selected and brought to the laboratory in search of lepidopteran eggs. Over the course of the three crop seasons, the soybean plants were attacked by Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Erebidae), Rachiplusia nu (Guenée), and Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (both Noctuidae). Six egg parasitoid species were identified, but only three of them were frequently found during the current study. Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) was the most predominant species attacking all lepidopteran pests across all soybean phenological stages. Encarsia porteri (Mercet) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) preferred to attack R. nu eggs, whereas Telenomus cyamophylax Polaszek (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) parasitized only A. gemmatalis and R. nu eggs. Despite the use of insecticides in the soybean field, the parasitism rates recorded were high. This suggests that using conservation tactics such as native vegetation patches and surrounding alternative crops may result in higher rates of natural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichogramma parasitoids are effective biocontrol agents and a reliable component of integrated strategies against lepidopterous pests. The success of these parasitoids in pest management relies not only on their ability to parasitize their hosts but also on their adaptation to the climatic conditions of the release area, particularly temperature. The expression of life history traits of Trichogramma spp. can vary significantly with temperature, depending on the species or strains being tested. Trichogramma cacoeciae (Marchal), T. euproctidis (Girault), T. minutum (Riley), and T. brassicae (Bezdenko) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are currently used in biocontrol programs against important lepidopteran pests. We aimed to assess the temperature sensitivity of these parasitoids during oviposition and preadult development, and to identify the most tolerant species to high temperatures conditions commonly encountered in Mediterranean Basin countries during the growing seasons. The biological characteristics of the four species were determined at seven temperature regimes expressed as temperatures during oviposition and preadult development (25/25, 25/30, 25/35, 25/40, 30/30, 35/35 and 40/40 °C), using Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs. Trichogramma cacoeciae showed the highest level of parasitism at 30/30 °C, while the other species exhibited the highest levels at 25/25 °C and 25/30 °C. All Trichogramma species were able to develop and survive from 25 °C to 35 °C, but not at 40 °C. Temperature significantly affected the longevity and fecundity of female progeny, with both decreasing when the temperature increased from 25 °C to 35 °C. When exposed to 35/35 °C, T. cacoeciae demonstrated the most optimal performance in terms of parasitization efficiency, developmental capacity, progeny longevity, and fecundity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly polyphagous and destructive pest of maize and other cereal crops. Biological control is a potential alternative to chemical insecticides used for the management of FAW in maize. Egg parasitoids are promising biocontrol agents as they kill the insect pest at their egg stage before it hatches, thus preventing the damaging larval stage. Trichogramma is widely used in augmentative biological control of FAW in native and invaded regions. However, FAW lay egg masses in layer by layer and eggs are covered with egg scales, this may affect the performance of Trichogramma parasitoids. Therefore, the parasitism potential of three Trichogramma species was studied on eggs with or without scales and layered eggs of FAW, further the impact of parasitoids ovipositor length on parasitism was also determined. This helps to understand the parasitism potential of parasitoids on different egg type for better implementation of biological control programs against FAW. Results The effect of FAW egg mass with or without scales and layered eggs on the performance of Trichogramma chilonis, T. pretiosum and T. mwanzai was studied and results indicated that egg mass scales and the layered eggs were significantly affected the parasitism potential of Trichogramma species, but did not affect the parasitoid emergence. In general, T. chilonis parasitized a higher percentage of eggs with or without scales and layered eggs of FAW than the other two species. T. chilonis and T. mwanzai had a greater ovipositor length than T. pretiosum. Conclusion The performance of evaluated Trichogramma species on FAW eggs with or without scales and layered eggs affected the parasitism success. The parasitism success of T. chilonis was comparably higher than other tested species. Hence, the scales on egg masses and layered eggs of FAW should be taken into account while selecting the Trichogramma species in the biological control of FAW.

Abstract Background Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an invasive pest that can cause serious crop loss to various important food crops and risk to global food security. FAW can cause damage to over 350 plant species by feeding on vegetative and reproductive stages of crops. Currently, chemical pesticides and transgenic maize are widely used to safeguard crops from this serious pest. However, biological control is a safer and more sustainable alternative in the long term for FAW management. Of the various natural enemies of FAW, egg parasitoids of genus Trichogramma have been used in augmentative biological control of FAW in the Americas and invaded regions such as Africa and Asia. Main body Several species of Trichogramma have been reported naturally parasitizing FAW eggs and emerged as important biocontrol agents. This paper presents a comprehensive review of potential and challenges associated with Trichogramma in biological control of FAW. A total of 11 species of trichogrammatids occurred naturally on FAW eggs. This review includes the occurrence of Trichogramma species on FAW, biological attributes, mass rearing, release techniques, field efficacy and interaction and integration with other parasitoids. Integration of Trichogramma with other parasitoids can resolve the problem related to its penetrative ability against scaled and multi-layered FAW eggs which were discussed. Conclusion Invasion of FAW in Africa and Asia has provided a prospect for augmentative biological control of FAW using Trichogramma for sustainable production, especially in maize which is used as food and fodder. Integrating Trichogramma with safer and selective green pesticides and their conservation with other natural enemies could help in sustainable and environment-friendly FAW control.

Sentinel eggs used to monitor field parasitism of stink bug pests (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) can only be deployed for a few days to avoid releasing the pest in the monitored area. Using sterile eggs removes the risk of accidental pest introduction and extends deployment time. Freezing the eggs before deployment is one common method of sterilizing sentinel eggs. However, some egg parasitoid species have low or no parasitism on frozen eggs. In this study, X-ray irradiation was used to sterilize Bagrada hilaris sentinel eggs intended for monitoring parasitism by Gryon aetherium (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), the most promising biological control candidate. In this case, freezing sentinel eggs is not recommended because G. aetherium has low levels of parasitism on frozen eggs. Doses as low as 10 Gy induced 100% sterility. Irradiated eggs successfully sustained the development of G. aetherium and Ooencyrtus californicus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), another egg parasitoid attacking B. hilaris, and parasitism levels were comparable to that of fresh eggs up to seven days old. In addition, G. aetherium showed no preference for fresh non-irradiated eggs over seven-day-old irradiated eggs. Our results indicate that X-ray irradiation is a suitable alternative to produce safe and reliable sentinel eggs to monitor the egg parasitism of B. hilaris and possibly other species.

Background: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly polyphagous and destructive pest of maize and other cereal crops. Biological control is a potential alternative to chemical insecticides used for the management of FAW in maize. Egg parasitoids are promising biocontrol agents as they kill the insect pest at their egg stage before it hatches, thus preventing the damaging larval stage. Trichogramma is widely used in augmentative biological control of FAW in native and invaded regions. However, FAW lay egg masses in layer by layer and eggs are covered with egg scales, this may affect the performance of Trichogramma parasitoids. Therefore, the parasitism potential of three Trichogramma species was studied on eggs with or without scales and layered eggs of FAW, further the impact of parasitoids ovipositor length on parasitism was also determined. This helps to understand the parasitism potential of parasitoids on different egg type for better implementation of biological control programs against FAW. Results: The effect of FAW egg mass with or without scales and layered eggs on the performance of Trichogramma chilonis, T. pretiosum and T. mwanzai was studied and results indicated that egg mass scales and the layered eggs were significantly affected the parasitism potential of Trichogramma species, but did not affect the parasitoid emergence. In general, T. chilonis parasitized a higher percentage of eggs with or without scales and layered eggs of FAW than the other two species. T. chilonis and T. mwanzai had a greater ovipositor length than T. pretiosum. Conclusion: The performance of evaluated Trichogramma species on FAW eggs with or without scales and layered eggs affected the parasitism success. The parasitism success of T. chilonis was comparably higher than other tested species. Hence, the scales on egg masses and layered eggs of FAW should be taken into account while selecting the Trichogramma species in the biological control of FAW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unintentional introduction of natural enemies has increased in recent years due to a massive rise in global trade and tourism. One such natural enemy is the Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus, a promising agent for classical biological control of Halyomorpha halys. In Europe, adventive T. japonicus populations have been detected in Switzerland, Italy and Germany. Host specificity testing demonstrated that its fundamental host range is fairly broad; however, it is unclear whether spatial or temporal refuges reduce parasitism of non-target species in the field. To address this, the realized host range of T. japonicus was assessed over three years by exposing sentinel egg masses of H. halys and 18 non-target species and collecting naturally laid egg masses in Switzerland and Italy. In total, 15 of 18 non-target species were successfully parasitized by T. japonicus in the field, confirming its broad fundamental host range. However, most non-target species were less parasitized by T. japonicus than H. halys, profiting from either partial temporal or spatial refuges from parasitism. Species with an unusual life cycle and the same ecological niche as H. halys, such as Pentatoma rufipes, which was the most parasitized non-target species in both countries, potentially face an increased risk of parasitism. In contrast, beneficial non-target effects may occur for the invasive pest, Nezara viridula, which suffered high non-reproductive mortality induced by T. japonicus. In both cases, life table studies will be needed to determine the impact of non-target parasitism and the potential consequences at the population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spodoptera frugiperda is a devastating agricultural pest. Telenomus remus is an efficient egg parasitoid wasp for the control of S. frugiperda, but it has a limited host range and is expensive in application. In this manuscript, we combined Trichogramma chilonis, an easily available and cheap egg parasitoid wasp, with Te. remus in different ratios to form compound parasitoid balls and released them into a maize field to investigate their control efficacy against S. frugiperda. We found that compound parasitoid balls were more effective in the control of S. frugiperda than the release of only a single egg parasitoid wasp (Te. remus or Tr. chilonis). Moreover, the control effect against S. frugiperda could still retain more than 50% in the treatment, with 80% Te. remus and 20% Tr. chilonis and that with 20% Te. remus and 80% Tr. chilonis after 15 days of the release and given the higher cost of production of Te. remus, we concluded that the combination of 20% Te. remus and 80% Tr. chilonis was a more cost-efficient ratio for the control of S. frugiperda. Although the release of egg parasitoids has proven to be an effective strategy for the control of the fall armyworm (FAW), a single egg parasitoid, however, has exposed some deficiencies in practice, and it is worthwhile to explore whether the combination of multiple parasitoid species released can be used to control FAW by adopting an inter- or intra-specific relationship. In this study, we released compound parasitoid balls of Te. remus and Tr. chilonis in maize fields to explore the effects of combinations in different proportions of these two egg parasitoids on the control of the FAW. The results showed that the release of compound parasitoid balls improved the control effect on the FAW compared to the release of only Te. Remus (100%) and only Tr. Chilonis (100%). The treatments released with compound parasitoid balls significantly increased the egg parasitism rate against the FAW, reduced its populations, and alleviated its damage to maize as compared to the treatment with only Tr. chilonis (100%) released, whereas there was no significant difference in the egg parasitism rate and FAW populations between the treatments with the release of only Te. remus (100%) and that of compound parasitoid balls. Among the compound parasitoid balls with different proportions of egg parasitoids, the treatment with 80% Te. remus and 20% Tr. chilonis and that with 20% Te. remus and 80% Tr. chilonis could still retain more than 50% of the control effect against the FAW after 15 days of release and given the higher cost of production of Te. Remus, our results suggested that the combination of 20% Te. Remus and 80% Tr. Chilonis is a more cost-efficient ratio for the control of the FAW. Our findings may provide a new perspective for the sustainable control of the FAW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an invasive pest that can cause serious crop loss to various important food crops and risk to global food security. FAW can cause damage to over 350 plant species by feeding on vegetative and reproductive stages of crops. Currently, chemical pesticides and transgenic maize are widely used to safeguard crops from this serious pest. However, biological control is a safer and more sustainable alternative in the long term for FAW management. Of the various natural enemies of FAW, egg parasitoids of genus Trichogramma have been used in augmentative biological control of FAW in the Americas and invaded regions such as Africa and Asia. Main body: Several species of Trichogramma have been reported naturally parasitizing FAW eggs and emerged as important biocontrol agents. This paper presents a comprehensive review of potential and challenges associated with Trichogramma in biological control of FAW. A total of 11 species of trichogrammatids occurred naturally on FAW eggs. This review includes the occurrence of Trichogramma species on FAW, biological attributes, mass rearing, release techniques, field efficacy and interaction and integration with other parasitoids. Integration of Trichogramma with other parasitoids can resolve the problem related to its penetrative ability against scaled and multi-layered FAW eggs which were discussed. Conclusion: Invasion of FAW in Africa and Asia has provided a prospect for augmentative biological control of FAW using Trichogramma for sustainable production, especially in maize which is used as food and fodder. Integrating Trichogramma with safer and selective green pesticides and their conservation with other natural enemies could help in sustainable and environment-friendly FAW control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A laboratory study was carried out to assess the residual toxicity of certain insecticides to egg parasitoids of Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith), Trichogramma chilonis Ishii, T. pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), and Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelioniadae). The median lethal concentrations were recorded at 24 and 48 hr after exposure period to adults of egg parasitoids to nine insecticides. Among the tested spinetoram was found to be "dangerous", however, chlorantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole + lambdacyhalothrin, chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin, indoxacarb, cyantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, thiamethoxam + lambdacyhalothrin and azadirachtin were found to be "slightly to moderately toxic" to T. chilonis and T. pretiosum. Chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb and spinetoram were found to be "dangerous", however, chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin, thiamethoxam + lambdacyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole + lambdacyhalothrin, cyantraniliprole and azadirachtin were "slightly to moderately toxic" to T. remus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The genus Sparasion, endoparasitoids of Tettigoniidae, occur in the Nearctic, Palearctic, Afrotropical and Oriental regions. It is absent in the Neotropics and Australasia. Of the thirteen species found in the Oriental region only a single species is from India. Results Two new species groups - Sparasion bilahari species group and Sparasion manavati species group - are proposed for species from the Oriental region. Thirty-six species are described and illustrated of which twenty-four are new: Sparasion albopilosellus Cameron, 1906 (Pakistan); S. bhairavi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. bhupali Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. bihagi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. bilahari Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. cellularis Strand, 1913 (Taiwan); S. coconcus Kozlov and Lê, 2000 (Vietnam); S. coeruleus Kieffer, 1905 (Sumatra); S. cullaris Kozlov and Lê, 2000 (Vietnam); S. darbari Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. deepaki Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. domes Kozlov and Lê, 2000 (Vietnam); S. elbakyanae Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. formosus Kieffer, 1910 (Taiwan); S. hindoli Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. kalyani Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. kanakangi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. karivadana Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. lividus Johnson, Masner & Musetti, 2008 (Philippines); S. manavati Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. meghmalhari Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. micromerus Kozlov and Lê, 2000 (Vietnam); S. pahadi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. philippinensis Kieffer, 1913 (Philippines); S. ratnangi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. rupavati Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. salagami Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. shulini Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. sinensis Walker, 1852 (China); S. sivaranjini Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. syamalangi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. todi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. travancoricus Mani and Sharma, 1981 (India); S. vanaspati Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. visvambari Veenakumari, sp. n. (India) and S. zeelafi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India). Keys to Oriental species of Sparasion are furnished. Intrasexual colour morphs among females of Sparasion is reported. Lectotype is designated for Sparasion cellularis Strand. Conclusions Twenty-four new species are added to the Indian fauna of Sparasion. Previously described species of Oriental Sparasion are redescribed and illustrated. Keys are furnished for all Oriental species.

Iranian species of the superfamily Platygastroidea (Hymenoptera) belonging to two families Platygastridae, (12 genera, 35 species) and Scelionidae (13 genera, 46 species), are reviewed. The recorded platygastroid species from Iran represent a very small assemblage of the world fauna, and certainly not the complete list from Iran. Except for a few recently described species, the others are found in many other countries as well. The known distribution for 27 species (77.1%) of Platygastridae of Iran is restricted to the Palaearctic region, while a smaller percentage was found in the Afrotropical (14.3%) and Nearctic (8.6%) regions. The distributions of 77.8% of Iranian scelionids are strictly Palaearctic, while the remaining scelionids were found also in the Nearctic (11.1%), Oriental (11.1%), Afrotropical (8.9%), Australasian (2.2%) and Neotropic regions (2.2%). Considering the sporadic treatment of platygastroids in Iran, it is evident that major parts of the country, including the eastern third, remain unexplored.

A study was conducted to examine the parasitic efficiency of different egg parasitoids viz., Trichogramma chilonis Ishii, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelionadae) of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), respectively under the laboratory condition at 28 ± 3oC. The investigation showed that T. chilonis displayed a parasitic efficiency ranging from 85 to 87 per cent, T. pretiosum from 80 to 89 per cent, and T. remus from 7 to 90 per cent. Both host species were accepted for parasitization, but C. cephalonica was identified as more suitable for the development of T. chilonis and T. pretiosum, while S. frugiperda was deemed the most suitable host for rearing T. remus. These findings contribute valuable insights into the host preferences and parasitic efficiencies of these parasitoids, essential information for potential applications in biological control strategies against agricultural pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Sparasion, endoparasitoids of Tettigoniidae, occur in the Nearctic, Palearctic, Afrotropical and Oriental regions. It is absent in the Neotropics and Australasia. Of the thirteen species found in the Oriental region only a single species is from India. Results: Two new species groups - Sparasion bilahari species group and Sparasion manavati species group - are proposed for species from the Oriental region. Thirty-six species are described and illustrated of which twenty-four are new: Sparasion albopilosellus Cameron, 1906 (Pakistan); S. bhairavi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. bhupali Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. bihagi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. bilahari Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. cellularis Strand, 1913 (Taiwan); S. coconcus Kozlov and Lê, 2000 (Vietnam); S. coeruleus Kieffer, 1905 (Sumatra); S. cullaris Kozlov and Lê, 2000 (Vietnam); S. darbari Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. deepaki Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. domes Kozlov and Lê, 2000 (Vietnam); S. elbakyanae Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. formosus Kieffer, 1910 (Taiwan); S. hindoli Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. kalyani Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. kanakangi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. karivadana Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. lividus Johnson, Masner & Musetti, 2008 (Philippines); S. manavati Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. meghmalhari Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. micromerus Kozlov and Lê, 2000 (Vietnam); S. pahadi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. philippinensis Kieffer, 1913 (Philippines); S. ratnangi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. rupavati Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. salagami Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. shulini Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. sinensis Walker, 1852 (China); S. sivaranjini Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. syamalangi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. todi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. travancoricus Mani and Sharma, 1981 (India); S. vanaspati Veenakumari, sp. n. (India); S. visvambari Veenakumari, sp. n. (India) and S. zeelafi Veenakumari, sp. n. (India). Keys to Oriental species of Sparasion are furnished. Intrasexual colour morphs among females of Sparasion is reported. Lectotype is designated for Sparasion cellularis Strand. Conclusions: Twenty-four new species are added to the Indian fauna of Sparasion. Previously described species of Oriental Sparasion are redescribed and illustrated. Keys are furnished for all Oriental species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some biometric indicators of two generations (1995 and 2022) of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) from the Central Rhodopes region, State Forestry Enterprise 'Akademik Nikolay Haytov', Hvoyna village, were compared. A significant difference in the fecundity of the species was found. In the second generation, it is 20.5% higher. A high survival rate of T. pityocampa in the egg stage was reported, in both generations it was over 95%. Eggs parasitized and destroyed by predators are about 1%. For the good health status of the population in this area of its range, objective indicators are the low values of dead, unhatched caterpillars, sterile and empty eggs. The parasitoid complex on the eggs of T. pityocampa is poor. In 1995, only the polyphagous species Anastatus bifasciatus was found. Twenty-seven years later, there is a significant change in the species composition of the parasitoids. In 2022, the presence of the specific egg parasitoids for T. pityocampa - Baryscapus servadeii and a single parasitization by Trichogramma sp. were registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly destructive Asian brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys, BMSB) invaded Europe, Caucasus region, and North and South America. Efforts to control it are ongoing in the Palearctic European-Mediterranean Basin and North America by introducing and redistributing two Asian stenophagous scelionid egg parasitoids (Trissolcus japonicus and T. mitsukurii) that are attacked by an adventive oligophagous pteromalid Asian hyperparasitoid (Acroclisoides sinicus). Large BMSB nymphs and adults may be parasitized by new associations of oligophagous tachinid flies and immature stages by egg parasitoids and predators. The terms stenophagous and oligophagous are commonly used to define narrow and wider ranges, respectively, of food eaten, but here they refer to the range of hosts attacked by adult female parasitoids. A holistic weather-driven physiologically based demographic model (PBDM) of the tritrophic interactions was developed to evaluate prospectively the impact of natural enemies on the biological control of BMSB under current and climate change weather. Our study focuses on the European-Mediterranean region, with the results for the USA, Mexico, and Central America reported as supplementary information. The PBDM analysis suggests that biotypes of the egg parasitoids T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii with high search capacity could suppress BMSB regionally, but the requisite levels of parasitism by these parasitoids for economic control are not observed in their native range nor in invaded areas. The model suggests that the action of T. japonicus is greater than that of T. mitsukurii, but that joint interactions of the two egg parasitoids would provide higher mortality of BMSB. Field data and model results suggest that the egg hyperparasitoid A. sinicus has a modest negative impact on the suppression of BMSB. Moreover, tachinid parasitoids of adults could have an important supplemental role in suppressing BMSB densities. Analysis suggests that new biotypes of egg parasitoids and species of tachinid parasitoids of large nymphs and adults be sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clear the relationship between host-searching behavior of the egg parasitoids Trichogramma chilonis Ishii and Telenomus dignus (Gahan) and chemicals compounds from different parts of their host Chilo sacchariphagus Bojer, olfactory responses bioassays were carried out with crude extracts of scales, abdominal tips and eggs from C. sacchariphagus respectively by the Y-tube olfactometer. The preference bioassays of egg parasitoids to C. sacchariphagus were also tested by offering the single egg mass to one female of T. chilonis and one female of Te. dignus. Results of olfactory responses showed that females of T. chilonis and Te. dignus responded differentially to crude extracts of different parts from C. sacchariphagus. Their olfactory responses were closely related to the concentration of the extracts. Results of host preference bioassays showed that the egg exposure frequency and the number of eggs parasitized by Te. dignus were significantly more than those of T. chilonis. Also, more Te. dignus could parasitize C. sacchariphagus eggs faster. It was suggested that Te. dignus had a stronger response and preference for C. sacchariphagus, which may be partly because it had a strong host speciality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

View on Scopus Three genera are recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia: Alaptus Westwood, Anagrus Haliday, and Polynema Haliday. A new species, Erythmelus (Erythmelus) irba sp. nov. Zeya & Anwar & Ahmad is described. Four known species are recorded for the first time: Erythmelus (E.) flavovarius (Walker), Erythmelus (Parallelaptera) rex (Girault), Polynema (Polynema) brevicarinae Annecke & Doutt and Stephanodes reduvioli (Perkins).

The genus Alaptus Westwood (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is characterised by its minute-sized body with no visible petiole and deeply excised posterior margin of fore wing. Three new species are described from different Indian states or Union Territory: A. deodus Anwar & Zeya sp. nov. (Karnataka), A. spicatus Anwar & Zeya sp. nov. (Karnataka), and A. wandoorensis Anwar & Zeya sp. nov. (Andaman and Nicobar Islands). Two species, A. iceryae Riley (Karnataka) and A. terebrans Kryger (Karnataka), are recorded for the first time from India, albeit the identification of A. terebrans is tentative. Two Indian species are put under synonymy: A. jowainus Rehmat & Anis syn. nov. and A. pyronus Anwar & Zeya syn nov. under A. immaturus Perkins. As A. deccanensis Anwar & Zeya share most of its characters with A. fusculus Walker except its body and antennal sizes, so a comparative analysis of both the species is provided, but its synonymy with A. fusculus has not been proposed at present and it needs to be confirmed on the basis of molecular studies. A revised key to males and females of the Indian species is also provided.http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:09951D88-75A8-43FF-87A1-9CF8F230D096http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:76C5EDBD-0B0E-41E6-B92F-07F636AA868Chttp://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1C55F240-BF4B-4954-A273-0CEB6D775B63http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:95744029-0947-4614-945B-350627CCE82A

Iranian species of the superfamily Platygastroidea (Hymenoptera) belonging to two families Platygastridae, (12 genera, 35 species) and Scelionidae (13 genera, 46 species), are reviewed. The recorded platygastroid species from Iran represent a very small assemblage of the world fauna, and certainly not the complete list from Iran. Except for a few recently described species, the others are found in many other countries as well. The known distribution for 27 species (77.1%) of Platygastridae of Iran is restricted to the Palaearctic region, while a smaller percentage was found in the Afrotropical (14.3%) and Nearctic (8.6%) regions. The distributions of 77.8% of Iranian scelionids are strictly Palaearctic, while the remaining scelionids were found also in the Nearctic (11.1%), Oriental (11.1%), Afrotropical (8.9%), Australasian (2.2%) and Neotropic regions (2.2%). Considering the sporadic treatment of platygastroids in Iran, it is evident that major parts of the country, including the eastern third, remain unexplored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, insect abundance and diversity are experiencing a rapid decline. Despite important inter-taxa and geographical variability, this can entail an extinction of ecological interactions and a decay of ecosystem functions. In this study, we compared the spatial distribution, abundance and species composition of Trichogramma spp. egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) over a 30-year time period in China. During the 1980s and in 2016–2018, egg masses of the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis, were systematically sampled from corn fields across the country. In 2018, five species were identified with Trichogramma ostriniae representing 90% of the species complex. Since the 1980s, two new species have made their appearance while nine (out of 12; i.e., 75%) species disappeared. These include comparative specialists but also generalists such as T. evanescens and T. exiguum. Across sites, species richness (R) and diversity (Shannon-Weiner index) have declined by a respective 25–86% and 56–100% (except for Heilongjiang province) over this time frame. We hypothesize that this is attributed to land use change, pesticide use and plant diversity decline in agro-landscapes. Conversely, no negative impacts were detected of augmentative biological control. Given the drastic reduction in ACB parasitoid richness, agro-ecological measures and diversification strategies should be deployed to restore the ecological resilience of local farming systems. Our work carries major implications for food security and helps to muster support for more nature-friendly, pest-resilient farming systems in China and abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. This study is focused on the parasitic wasps Bephrata Cameron, 1884 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), a small and poorly represented genus in entomological collections. Herein we report new geographical records to Bephrata bahiae (Ashmead, 1904), B. bouceki Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. cultriformis (Ashmead, 1894), B. leptogaster Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. lorraineae Gates & Hanson, 2009, B. ruficollis Cameron 1884 and B. ticos Gates & Hanson, 2009. Except for B. bahiae, B. chica Gates & Hanson, 2009 and B. christeri Gates & Hanson, 2009, all other studied species were recorded for the first time to Brazil. Additionally, we provide maps with the geographical distribution of the studied species based on the new records and literature data, and an identification key for the species recorded in Brazil. With these new records there are currently nine species of Bephrata known in Brazil.

Although the release of egg parasitoids has proven to be an effective strategy for the control of the fall armyworm (FAW), a single egg parasitoid, however, has exposed some deficiencies in practice, and it is worthwhile to explore whether the combination of multiple parasitoid species released can be used to control FAW by adopting an inter- or intra-specific relationship. In this study, we released compound parasitoid balls of Te. remus and Tr. chilonis in maize fields to explore the effects of combinations in different proportions of these two egg parasitoids on the control of the FAW. The results showed that the release of compound parasitoid balls improved the control effect on the FAW compared to the release of only Te. Remus (100%) and only Tr. Chilonis (100%). The treatments released with compound parasitoid balls significantly increased the egg parasitism rate against the FAW, reduced its populations, and alleviated its damage to maize as compared to the treatment with only Tr. chilonis (100%) released, whereas there was no significant difference in the egg parasitism rate and FAW populations between the treatments with the release of only Te. remus (100%) and that of compound parasitoid balls. Among the compound parasitoid balls with different proportions of egg parasitoids, the treatment with 80% Te. remus and 20% Tr. chilonis and that with 20% Te. remus and 80% Tr. chilonis could still retain more than 50% of the control effect against the FAW after 15 days of release and given the higher cost of production of Te. Remus, our results suggested that the combination of 20% Te. Remus and 80% Tr. Chilonis is a more cost-efficient ratio for the control of the FAW. Our findings may provide a new perspective for the sustainable control of the FAW.

The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is a specialist herbivore that attacks maize in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is the vector of three relevant plant pathogens that are responsible for severe yield losses. Modern agriculture is dependent on the addition of fertilizers, especially nitrogen, which may influence the nutritional quality and/or the defense ability of the plants possibly with a subsequent increment of herbivorous insect populations. Through a field experiment, using a randomized design with four treatments with incremental levels of fertilization, we evaluated the effects of nitrogen in corn on the population level of the vector D. maidis, on the incidence of the diseases transmitted by it, and on the level of parasitism of the vectors' eggs. The amount of nitrogen fertilizer used significantly influenced the density of the corn leafhopper and, as a consequence, the parasitism by egg parasitoids, but not the incidence of the diseases transmitted by it. Two weeks after fertilization, the vector density was significantly higher in the highly fertilized treatment. The disease incidence was not directly linked with the level of fertilization. However, the symptoms of the diseases were much less evident in plants that received higher fertilization. Levels of parasitism by egg parasitoids increased accordingly to the level of D. maidis populations. The management of nitrogen fertilization in corn crops can mitigate the negative effects of the corn stunting disease without affecting the levels of natural control performed by egg parasitoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Iheringia. Série Zoologia is the property of Fundacao Zoobotanica do Rio Grande do Sul and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The parasitoid wasp, Telenomus alecto (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), is reported for the first time parasitizing Diatraea magnifactella Dyar (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Jalisco, Mexico. The occurrence of Te. alecto was discovered in May 2017 during a survey of egg parasitoids of D. magnifactella. The field survey was conducted on Saccharum officinarum L. (Poaceae) in Etzatlan, Jalisco, Mexico. In total, 656 eggs were collected, of which 401 were parasitized. The identity of the parasitoids was determined on the basis of morphological evidence and we here provide the barcoding region (COI). El parasitoide Telenomus alecto (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) es reportado por primera vez parasitando Diatraea magnifactella Dyar (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) en Jalisco, México. Telenomus alecto fue descubierto en mayo de 2017 durante un estudio sobre los parasitoides de huevo de D. magnifactella. El estudio de campo se realizó en Etzatlan, Jalisco, México sobre Saccharum officinarum L. (Poaceae). En total, se recolectaron 656 huevos, de los cuales 401 estuvieron parasitados. La identidad de los parasitoides se determinó por morfología y mediante la región del código de barras (COI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possibilities to combine augmentative biological control using Trichogramma spp. egg parasitoids and conservation biological control through habitat manipulation, for the management of rice leaffolder and rice stemborer pests have received only cursory mention in the literature. We reviewed information on the use of Trichogramma releases and on habitat manipulation to manage leaffolders and stemborers in rice. Stemborers have become a priority for biological control since the 1990s with research focusing mainly on Chilo suppressalis in China and Iran, Scirpophaga incertulas in South and Southeast Asia, and Chilo agamemnon in Egypt. In most cases, 100 K wasps (T. japonicum or T. chilonis) released over 30–100 release points ha−1 at least once during early crop stages, resulted in good control (>50% reduction in damage). Despite positive results accumulated over decades, larger scale releases in rice have only been conducted very recently. Research on conservation biological control of stemborers has focused on manipulating rice field habitat, particularly along rice bunds (levees). Several studies reported higher Trichogramma densities or greater egg parasitism in rice fields with flowering plants on bunds compared to control fields (without bund vegetation and usually with insecticides). These trends have mainly been attributed to nectar as a supplementary food for the adult wasps, although evidence for this mechanism is weak. Trap plants, such as vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) attract ovipositing stemborers, but suppress larval development. Repellent and banker plants have not yet been identified for rice stemborers or leaffolders. We outline the opportunities and challenges for combining augmentative and conservation biological control of leaffolders and stemborers in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Alaptus Westwood (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is characterised by its minute-sized body with no visible petiole and deeply excised posterior margin of fore wing. Three new species are described from different Indian states or Union Territory: A. deodus Anwar & Zeya sp. nov. (Karnataka), A. spicatus Anwar & Zeya sp. nov. (Karnataka), and A. wandoorensis Anwar & Zeya sp. nov. (Andaman and Nicobar Islands). Two species, A. iceryae Riley (Karnataka) and A. terebrans Kryger (Karnataka), are recorded for the first time from India, albeit the identification of A. terebrans is tentative. Two Indian species are put under synonymy: A. jowainus Rehmat & Anis syn. nov. and A. pyronus Anwar & Zeya syn nov. under A. immaturus Perkins. As A. deccanensis Anwar & Zeya share most of its characters with A. fusculus Walker except its body and antennal sizes, so a comparative analysis of both the species is provided, but its synonymy with A. fusculus has not been proposed at present and it needs to be confirmed on the basis of molecular studies. A revised key to males and females of the Indian species is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the selectivity of the hexane fraction of the fruit and seed extract of Ricinus communis (HFFSRC) on the eggs of parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 in eggs of Chrysodeixis includens Walker, 1858, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions and to identify the compounds in the fraction using high-performance chromatography (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Therefore, four treatments were prepared, consisting of three concentrations of HFFSRC (0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) and the control (0%). Subsequently, for the assembly of the bioassays, cards containing eggs of C. includens were immersed. Three bioassays were conducted: (1) preference for T. pretiosum parasitism among treated and untreated C. includens eggs – free-choice test; (2) effect of HFFSRC on T. pretiosum parasitism – no-choice test (preparasitism); (3) selectivity of HFFSRC to the immature phase of T. pretiosum – no-choice test (post parasitism). The parameters evaluated were parasitism, emergence, sex ratio, duration of the egg-adult period, and longevity. It was observed that the HFFSRC reduced T. pretiosum parasitism on C. includens eggs and was toxic to the immature phase of the parasitoid. However, it did not affect the emergence of the parasitoid or the sex ratio, causing changes in the duration of the egg-adult period and longevity, but which will possibly not harm the population in the field. Five compounds were identified in the HFFSRC, namely three flavonoids, one ricinoleic acid and one cinnamic acid. Considering the potential of R. communis and T. pretiosum for pest control, additional studies with different extraction and parasitoid release strategies are necessary. However, in the present study the HFFSRC was not selective to the T. pretiosum. • The hexane fraction of the fruit and seed extract of Ricinus communis (HFFSRC) reduced parasitism by T. pretiosum. • The immature phase of the parasitoid was negatively affected by the HFFSRC. • The parasitoid emergence or sex ratio of T. pretiosum was did not affect. • The HFFSRC is not selective for parasitoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, climate change is one of the greatest threats facing forest ecosystems. It directly influences the geographical distribution of insects and increases epidemics of harmful insects. The present work took place in this context. It aimed to contribute to the knowledge of egg parasitoids that could affect the evolution of the pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa, a major forest pest in Algeria and Mediterranean countries. The study was carried out on 120 batches of eggs taken from the Atlas cedar at two sites in the Chelia cedar zone (case of eastern Algeria) in 2017. It allowed the analysis of a total of 37,943 eggs. At the first site, the hatch rate was 66%; the egg mortality rate increased at a rate of 15 %, and the parasitism rate was rather high at 18%. The second site was characterized by the parasitism rate lower by about 11%, while the egg mortality rate was relatively comparable in the order of 14% with a hatching rate of 75%. The eggs are more parasitized by Baryscapus servadeii (79%) than by Trichogramma embryophagum (17%), while Ooencyrtus pityocampae remains negligible (4%). Egg parasitoids are an important killer of Thaumetopoea pityocampa eggs.

Chakra Rajmohana and Veenakumari is represented by two species – C. sarvatra Rajmohana and Veenakumari and C. pachmarhica (Sharma) – in India. Twelve new species are being added to the Indian fauna of Chakra – C. agathachristieae sp. nov., C. alexandra sp. nov., C. bournei sp. nov., C. galathea sp. nov., C. gotamiae sp. nov., C. juturna sp. nov., C. kambani sp. nov., C. parviocula sp. nov., C. pillaiyar sp. nov., C. sanghamittae sp. nov., C. valluvari sp. nov. and C. zvelebili sp. nov. – and Chakra pachmarhica (Sharma) is redescribed. This genus is polymorphic with two species exhibiting brachyptery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological control, egg parasitoids, oviposition behavior, rearing, sex ratio Keywords: biological control; egg parasitoids; oviposition behavior; rearing; sex ratio EN biological control egg parasitoids oviposition behavior rearing sex ratio 1010 11 11/17/22 20221101 NES 221101 1. Introduction Knowing what influences progeny production and sex ratio has practical implications in biological control programs using parasitoids because of the need to maximize female production for quarantine bioassays and/or mass production. However, giving freshly emerged females a short period of host deprivation right after emergence can also have benefits, especially in synovigenic parasitoids, as it allows females to mature more eggs and increase their progeny production on the first day of oviposition [[11]]. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND: The egg‐parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi has received attention as a biological‐control agent for one of the most important soybean pests in Brazil, the stink bug Euschistus heros. As yet, no studies have conclusively established strategies for the release of T. podisi. We developed a computational model using cellular automata in the C programming language to investigate release strategies for T. podisi in soybean crops, in order to optimize the use of these wasps in managing E. heros, assuming a two‐dimensional grid of cells corresponding to a soybean field. RESULTS: The release strategies capable of maintaining an E. heros population below the Economic Threshold level involved releasing a total of at least 15 000 female parasitoids per hectare, in three or four releases of 5000 or more (equivalent to approximately 7142 or more male and female parasitoids per hectare, assuming a sex ratio of 0.70). A 25‐m spacing between release points or strips was indicated. The model is very sensitive to the variation in the number of parasitoids per release and in the number of releases, but little sensitive to the release mode and spacing values. CONCLUSION: The theoretical results produced by the computational model are expected to guide future field studies to improve T. podisi release plans for managing E. heros in soybeans. Therefore, we recommend the release strategy of three to four releases of 5000 or more female parasitoids per hectare, at points or strips spaced 25 m apart, to be tested in field experiments for proper implementation by producers. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three genera are recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia: Alaptus Westwood, Anagrus Haliday, and Polynema Haliday. A new species, Erythmelus (Erythmelus) irba sp. nov. Zeya & Anwar & Ahmad is described. Four known species are recorded for the first time: Erythmelus (E.) flavovarius (Walker), Erythmelus (Parallelaptera) rex (Girault), Polynema (Polynema) brevicarinae Annecke & Doutt and Stephanodes reduvioli (Perkins). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]